Savage Axis

[4Patriot]

I'm thinking about buying a Savage Axis .223 so I can start developing skills at longer ranges. I'm focused on the .223 for reasons of economy, and looking at the Savage for the same reasons and because they have a left-handed version of the Axis available, which I would prefer.

I notice from my explorations online that the stock trigger is generally not considered to be satisfactory, and that third parties make trigger kits, e.g. Timney, Rifle Basix. I also note that a simple mod like replacing the trigger spring can get trigger pull down into the 3 lb. area.

Does anyone have any recommendations about the best trigger "kits", and does anyone have experience with kitless trigger adjustment that might get the pull down to the 1.5-2.5 zone?

Lastly, with potential for shooting out to perhaps 400 yards, can anyone recommend a dollar-appropriate scope?

[NorCalFocus]

Scope: The cheapest you'll get away with is a SWFA fixed power. Most guys run the 10 power, I say get the 12 or 16. After that you'll be spending $600+ on a variable power scope the will track well.

Trigger: I did a DIY job on my Axis trigger. I got is down to approx 3#'s by cutting the spring and polishing the sear. I would not try and go any lower on my own than that. Lower weights like that I would trust to a smith. But a drop in kit is the easiest way to go.

Stock: Get a Boyds or similar. Watch a few YouTube videos and do a DIY bed job on it. That will get you the most bang for your buck on a stock.

A .223 out to 400 is fine. Just make sure your running the heavier match grade ammo and you'll be golden.

[Exospeed]

If you are going to get an Axis, get an Axis II. The trigger is very good and adjustable on the II.

[TMB 1]

I'd probably go with a Boyds stock and a Nikon scope

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-ProStaff-Black-Matte-Riflescope/dp/B004MY7LLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433812818&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+scopes

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Riflescope-Action-Turret-4-12x40/dp/B00BAHMHQW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1433812818&sr=8-3&keywords=nikon+scopes

[riftol]

If you are going to get an Axis, get an Axis II. The trigger is very good and adjustable on the II.

Axis II rifles have the AccuTrigger.

[glockman19]

I bought a Savage Axis Rifle in .223...because the twist rate was 1:9 and could stabilize heavier bullets. The Remington and others I looked at were 1:14.

As for triggers, I have no problems with the stock trigger but...IF I did change it out would go with the Timmey Drop in adjustable trigger for $109.

[desertjosh]

I did the spring mod on my axis and love it. Very simple and cuts a lot of the pull weight out. The axis is a solid bang for the buck.

[Wrangler John]

If you want a stock for an Axis, or a new trigger, then go here:

http://www.sharpshootersupply.com/

Their stocks are probably the best made among them all. I have four of their stocks for the Savage Precision Target Action. Each is pillar bedded, fits perfectly, is finished sanded and easy to seal and final finish. They have developed a new Axis ProHunter stock that may be of interest. Also, Fred Moreo is a well recognized Savage gunsmith, if you have questions shoot an email to SSS and Lisa will get back with an answer. I have two projects arriving tomorrow from SSS, and I recommend them.

For a good scope with a lot of value for the money I recommend these:

http://www.natchezss.com/weaver-classic-extreme-riflscope-30mm-tube.html

The entire line is here: http://www.natchezss.com/optics/rifl...order=position

They work well enough for me. In fact, in May I purchased two Weaver Classic Extreme 6-24 X 50mm, Side Focus, Illuminated Dual-X reticle, 30mm tube, scopes for under $300.00 each. (http://www.natchezss.com/6-24x50-ill...c-extreme.html) These will be installed on two new rifles I am building later this week. If you want parallax side-focus in higher magnification scopes, purchase a 30mm diameter main tube scope. While these are big bulky scopes for varmint rifles there are many other selections. I read somewhere that the Weaver Classic Extremes are manufactured exclusively for Natchez Shooters Supply. Every time I see them in stock I buy more.

Good fortune and happy shooting with your new axis.

[Guardian Mode]

Instead of fussing with a base Axis trigger,
look into the Savage Hog Hunter.
It already has the accutrigger. Its got a fat knob that you can easily switch out for aftermarket. Also, more available aftermarket stocks available and you can even swap out the barrel for a savage drop in. Also has the heavy barrel so you can shoot more without the heat affecting accuracy. It has a threaded barrel, for a brake.
WoodburyOutfitters has it for $370.

Best scope for the money is the $230 Primary Arms 4-14 FFP. Its got the mil dot reticle that is standard among the precision shooters.
then
$8 cheap 2-piece scope mounts
$24 UTG rings qd rings
$32 UTG bipod
$36 adjustable cheek rest
$53 Surefire Procomp
$753 total plus tax and shipping and stuff.

[Kidawolf]

I own a savage axis and it is a tack driver when you have the right work into it. what my fellow calgunners are saying are indeed true, My savage has less than a .5 moa grouping at 100 yards (could manage .25 moa with fine tuning of a scope and proper breathing/ shooting techniques) and the farthest i've taken my gun out to has been 650 yrds with relative ease. I find that it's a great gun to build on, so long as you can find the parts a new stock was probably the hardest, trust me..boydes was a pain in the rear when it came to getting the stock (2+ months waiting and multiple MULTIPLE emails and call.) BUT worth it as a finished product.

[desertjosh]

Nice shooting!

[redrex]

I love Savage rifles. Out of the box they are some of the best rifles you can buy. I was looking at the Axis line but in the end I decided to spend a bit more. And before you brush me off like every other idiot on here who just mouths about that everyone needs to spend more money on their guns.

You are already talking about a trigger upgrade and scope. So you are looking to add about $300 to the price of the gun. OR...

11/111 Trophy Hunter XP Package. It comes in 223 and left handed. Also comes with a Scope. Can be had for about $600.

[NorCalFocus]

I love Savage rifles. Out of the box they are some of the best rifles you can buy. I was looking at the Axis line but in the end I decided to spend a bit more. And before you brush me off like every other idiot on here who just mouths about that everyone needs to spend more money on their guns.

You are already talking about a trigger upgrade and scope. So you are looking to add about $300 to the price of the gun. OR...

11/111 Trophy Hunter XP Package. It comes in 223 and left handed. Also comes with a Scope. Can be had for about $600.

True, but a aftermarket trigger and scope on the Axis will still be better than what's of the 11/111.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Magilla26]

I bought an Axis in .223 this last April. It will shoot 53 Gr. Hornady HP Match bullets under 3/4" consistently at 100 yds. with a variety of powders. The trigger is a little rough but it has lightened up over the last few months. This is my first Savage and I am a fan.

[4Patriot]

True, but a aftermarket trigger and scope on the Axis will still be better than what's of the 11/111.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's what I'm thinking. $300 for the rifle, $100 more for a Boyd's stock, maybe $100 for a trigger upgrade.